Dredging-bucket.



G. H. ROWAN.

' DREDGING BUCKET.-

APPLICATION FILED SEPT-9,1914.

Patented June 13, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET I.

Ill

WITNESSES ATTORNEY THE COLUMBIA PMNUORAPH 60-, WASHINGTON, n. C-

G. B. ROWAN.

DREDGING BUCKET.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT- 9. 1914.

Van I 1 E fl WV 1% W m; hm w d W. 1M3 m. P

ATTORNEY WAN.

DREDGING BUCKET,

APPLICATION HLEDSEPT- 9, 1914- l 1 86,684. Patented June 13, 1916.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

O RNEY GORDON R. ROWAN, OF OAK RIDGE, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNDR OF ONE-HALF TO ROBERTS P. HUDSON AND ALBERT B. DAVIDSON, BOTH OF SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN.

DREDGINGr-BUCKET.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 13, 1916.

Application filed September 9, 1914. Serial No. 860,860.

a new and useful Dredging-Bucket, or" which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to improvements in dredging and dredging buckets of the orange peel and clam shell type.

The object of the present invention is to improve the construction of clam shell and orange peel dredging buckets and to provide a simple, practical, and efiicient bucket of this character, of comparatively inexpensive construction, which will be positive and reliable in operation and adapted to simplify the operation of dredging buckets of this type.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dredging bucket of this character equipped with a single line arranged to prevent the bucket from twisting and connected at one end with a storage drum and at the other end with an active or operat ing drum, capable of raising and lowering the bucket and of controlling the same in the ordinary dredging operations.

. Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and eflicient device, capable of positively locking the jaws or sections of the bucket in an open position and eflectively preventing the same from accident ally closing while said bucket is being raised or lowered for dredging under water or beyond the sight of the operator, and adapted also to automatically'release the sections when the bucket rests upon the bottom or the material to be dredged.

"It is also an object of the invention to provide a locking device of this character capable of being controlled automatically by the line without interfering with the free run of the same when the bucket is in its open position.

Furthermore, the invention has for its object to provide a single line dredging bucket equipped with automatic line control devices for locking the bucket in its open position and for holding the bucket closed, and to enable the bucket to be raised and lowered when either open or closed without afiecting the operation of either of the said devices.

Another object of the invention is to arrange the sheaves or pulleys of the bucket so as to secure an additionalpurchase for digging and closing the bucket without add ing outside pulleys or sheaves.

A further object of the invention is to provide a construction adapted to maintain the various parts of the bucket in correct alinement and capable of affording maximum closing power and of applying the same to the jaws or sections at a point where the resistance to the digging or dredging is the heaviest.

With these and other objects in View the invention consists in the construction and novel combination of parts hereinafter fully described,illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and pointed out in the claims appended hereto, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of construction, within the scope of the claims, may be resorted to without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the drawings:Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, of a dredging bucket constructed in accordance with this invention, the jaws or sections being shown in an open position. Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view, partly in elevation, illustrating the arrangement of the parts when the jaws or sections are released through contact with the material to bedredged. Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the dredging bucket, the jaws or sections being closed. Fig. 4 is a similar View, taken at right angles to Fig. 8, one of the jaws or sections being partly broken away. Fig. 5 is a'horizontal sectional view on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3. Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view taken substantially on the line 66 of Fig. 3. Fig. 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially on the line 7-7 of Fig. 3. Fig. 8 is a partial plan view of the bucket. Figs. 9 and 10 are detail views illustrating another form of locking device for holding the jaws or sections in their open position. Figs. 11 and 12 are detail elevations illustrating a form of the invention in which geared pulleys are prowardly extending radially arranged apis connected with the storage drum. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the operating lever :and the upperand lower pulleys, illustrating the arrangement of the line or cable.

Like numerals of reference designate cor- I responding parts in all the figures of the v drawings.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the preferred embodiment of the invention, while the claims define the actual scope thereof.

Referring to the drawings, the clam shell or orange peel bucket comprises jaws or sections 1, preferably four in number, as clearly illustrated in'Fig. 5 of the drawings, but the number'of the jaws or sections may, of course, be varied. These jaws or sections, which are constructed of any suitable metal, are provided at their upper edges with inproximately U-shaped arms 2, consisting of spaced sides and connecting outer portions which are riveted or otherwise secured to the inner faces of the jaws or sections. The inner terminals of the sides are spaced apart to receive lugs 3 of a collar 4, and they are pivoted to the said lugs by bolts 5 or other suitable fastening devices. Instead of providing the radially arranged arms 2 in the form of U-shaped members, they may be constructed in any other desired manner. The jaws or sections are .approximately quadrant shaped in plan view, and their side edges are arranged to meet and form a closed receptacle, but in the operation of the dredging device, the sections may be either completely closed or partly closed by means.

hereinafter fully explained. The collar 4 is suitably secured on the lower end of a lower tubular member or sleeve 6, receiving an upper relatively slidable member 7 which is connected with the jaws or sections 1 of the bucket by links 8. The upper member 7 consists of a rod or stem and the upper and lower members are slidable on each other in the opening and closing movements of the jaws or sectionsand are shown as located in the longitudinal center line of the bucket.

The upper slidable member 7 carries at its upper end a head 9, preferably consisting of a disk or plate having a central opening 10to receive the upper end of the member 7 and provided with projecting peripheral lugs or ears 11 arranged inpairs and receiving the upper ends of the links 8, which are pivoted to the said lugs or ears by bolts 12 or other suitable fastening devices. The links, which are arranged at an inclination, extend downwardly from the head 9 to the jaws or sections 1 of the bucket, and they have angularly bent lower terminal portions 13 arranged exteriorly of the jaws or sections 1 and extending a considerable distance below the upper edges thereof and pivotallv connected with the same by bolts 14 or other suitable fastening devices. The bolts 14 pass through the lower ends of the links 8 and through'spaced projecting lugs or cars 15, formed integral with reinforcing plates 16 riveted or otherwise secured'to the exterior of the jaws or sections. By pivotally connecting the lower ends of the inclined longitudinally disposed links to the exterior of the jaws or sections below the upper edges thereof, a maximum closing power is obtained and the pressure is applied at the point where the jaws or sections meet with the greatest resistance to their closing or dredging movement.

The jaws'or sections are adapted to open 7 to the position illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawing, and they are locked and maintained in this position while the bucket is being lowered to the bottom or material to be dredged. When the jaws or sections are open, the relatively movable upper member 7 is at the limit of its upward movement and the lower tubular member or sleeve is at the limit of its downward or outward.

movement. The lower and upper members are held against relative movement when in this position by means of a locking device comprising a lever 17 pivoted at an intermediate point at 18 between spaced projecting ears 19 of the lower member or sleeve 6 at a point between the ends thereof, and its upwardly extending arm is provided with a terminal projecting engaging portion 20 operatingin an opening 21 in the tubular member or sleeve 6 and adapted to move in wardly and outwardly into and out of en gagement with the lower end 22 of the upper member 7. The lower end 28 of the locking lever 17 is engaged by an anti-fri ction roller 24 of a latch member 25,. pivoted at its inner end at 26 between a pair of spaced ears of the lower tubular member or sleeve and composed of spacedsides and an outer connecting portion.

The antifriction roller 24 is mounted at the inner portion of the latch lever 25, and

beyond the antifriction roller and is pro vided at its lower end with a laterally projecting pin 27, forming stops for limiting the downward swinging of the latch lover.

The locking lever 17 is provided at its lower tal position, and engages and holds the lower end 23 of the locking lever 17 against inward. movement. The latch lever 25 is tripped by means of-an approximately verthe lower end 23 of the locking lever 17 extendsbetween the sides of the latch lever T tical rod or member 29, carried by a transverse operating lever 30 mounted on the lower portion of the sleeve or tubular member 6 above the collar 4:. The lever 30 is provided at an intermediate point with an enlargement 31 having an opening 82 for the reception of the tubular member or sleeve (3, and it is pivoted to the same by a. horizontal bolt or other suitable fastening device. One arm 3% of the operating lever is shorter and lighter than the other arm 35, and the shorter arm is provided with a slot 36 in which is pivoted a lug or car 37 of a bearing bracket 38. A pin 89 passes through the arm 3% and the lug or ear 37 of the bearing bracket, in which is mounted a grooved pulley or sheave 4:0. The trip rod or arm 30 which lifts the latch lever 25 consists of a vertical rod or member 29 preferably secured to the bearing bracket 38 at the outer side thereof and pro jecting above the same and the grooved pulley or sheave 4:0. The longer arm of the operating lever is provided with a slot or opening 4-1, in which is mounted a grooved pulley or sheave $2. The arm 35 is provided with an approximately U- shaped guard as, consisting of spaced sides secured to the exterior of the arm 35 at opposite sides of the slot ll and an outer connecting portion located beyond the arm and arranged in spaced relation with the outer edge of the pulley or sheave 42. hen the line or cable 44 to which the dredging bucket is connected slackens by reason of the open bucket coming in contact with the material to be dug or excavated, the heavier arm :25 of the operating lever 30 swings the lighter arm 84 upwardly and carries the tripping device 29 upwardly into contact with the latch lever 25 and lifts the same sutiiciently to release the locking lever 17, and the relatively slidable member 7 moves downwardly a sufficient distance to carry the lower end 22 of the said upper member 7 beyond the engaging portion of the locking lever 17. There is suilicient slack or looseness in the fastening devices of the side bars or links 8 to permit this movement of the upper member, which always has a tendency, due to its weight, to slide downwardly into the lower tubular member 7 or sleeve 6. The gravity acting operating lever 30, which is normally maintained by the line with its heavier arm 85 lifted, is limited in such movement by a lug or projection 43 extending upwardly from the heavier arm at the inner end thereof and arranged to engage the lower tubular member or sleeve Any other suitable means, however, may be employed for limiting the movement of the gravity acting operating lever.

Various forms of locking devices may be employed for holding the upper and lower members against relative movement to lock the jaws or sections of the bucket in their open position, and in Figs. 9 and 10 is illustrated another form of the invention, in

which a locking lever L5 is maintained in engagement with the relatively slidable upper member '7 by means of a toggle connection 46 between its lower end and the lower sleeve or member 6. The toggle 4:6 is com posed of innerand outer links 47 and i8, pivoted together at their adjacent ends at a9 and similarly connected at their other ends at 50 and 51 to the lower sleeve or member 6 at the lower end of the locking lever to, The link 48 is provided at its iiiner pivoted end with a lug or projecting portion extending over and adapted to rest upon the upper edge of the inner link e7 to limit the downward movement of the links, which are adapted to break upwardly to permit the lower arm of the operating lever to swing inwardly, as shown in Fig. 10 of the drawings.

The line or cable as is connected at its ends to an active or operating drum (not shown), and to a storage drum (not shown). The run or stretch of the line extends downwardly to the guide pulley or sheave 412 at one end of the operating lever 30, passing behind an upper side guide pulley or sheave The line 53 then extends upwardly and passes over a central grooved guide pulley or sheave 55 and then downwardly to the pulley or sheave 40 at the other end of the operating lever 30. From the lower guide pulley 40 the line extends upwardly to and makes two complete turns around a ratchet pulley or sheave 56, having a ratchet element 57 adapted to be engaged by a pawl or dog 58 for holding the ratchet pulley or sheave 56 against rotary movement in one direction, while the closed bucket is being raised with its lead. The other run or stretch 59 of the line extends from the ratchet pulley to the storage drum. The bucket is therefore carried by a loop of the line, of which loop the runs 53 and 59 constitute a part. The pulleys or sheaves 4C0 and d2 bear the entire weight of the bucket when the latter is closed, and is being raised with its lead, and the said pulleys or sheaves 40 and 42 also hear the weight of the bucket when the latter is open for loading. When the bucket is in the act of opening, the weight is borne mostly by the upper sheave 55, and when the jaws or sections are in the T actofclosing upon the substance or material being dredged or operated on by the bucket, the weight of the latter is on the pulleys or sheaves 40 and 432. The upper side guide sheave 5a is mounted in a bearing bracket or arm 60 secured to the head 9 at one edge thereof and projecting therefrom, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 7 of the drawings. The central pulley or sheave 55 and the ratchet sheave 56 are mounted on a horizontal shaft 62 may be formed integral with the head or be fixed thereto inany'other desired manner.

The ratchet element 57 consists of a toothed rim or flange mounted on the outer side of the pulley 56, but it may be constructed in any other desired manner. The pawl or dog 58, which is approximately T- shaped, is mounted between a pair of up wardly projecting lugs or ears 63 on a suitable pivot 64, andit has an upwardly extending arm orrportion arranged to engage the ratchet member, an outer arm or portion '65, and an inner arm 66 extending over the head and provided with a depending approximately L-shaped portion 67. The depending portion 67 extends beneath the head 9 and constitutes a stop for limiting'the upward movement of the inner arm 66 and the outward movement of the engaging arm. The outer arm or portion 65 is provided with a slot or opening 68, through which passes the upper end of an operating rod 69, having its lower portion guided in vertically alined openings of upper and lower lugs and 71, and carrying stops 72 and 73, adju'stably mounted on the lower portion of the operating rod 69 and adapted to engage with the upper and lower guide lugs 70 and 71. The upper portion 74 of the operating rod 69 is threaded for the reception of a pair of nuts 75, constituting an adjutable stop arranged to engage and rest upon the outer portion or arm 65 of the pawl or dog 58 for holding the latter out of engagement with the teeth 57 of the ratchet sheave or pulley 56. The lower adjustable stops 72 and 73 are preferably in the form of set collars and are adapted to be secured at diiferent points on the lower portion of the operating rod 69, which is provided with an intermediate angularly bent portion 76 for offsetting its lower portion inwardly from the plane of the upper portion.

The operating rod 69 is adapted to maintain the pawl or dog 58 out of engagement with the ratchet pulley 56 to permit the latter to rotate freely in either direction while the jaws or sections of the bucket are locked in their open position, as illustrated in Fig. 1 of the drawings-whereby the bucket may be raised and lowered freely by drawing in or paying out the line 53. Then, by paying out the line 53, the bucket is lowered sulficientlyv to rest upon the material to be dredged, excavated, or otherwise handled,

the line 53 becomes somewhat slackened and then the relatively long arm 35, which is heavier than the relatively short arm 3et'of the lever 30, swings downwardly from the slightly upwardly inclined position illustrated in Fig. 1 to the slightly downwardly inclined position illustrated in Fig. 2. This correspondingly elevates the relatively short lighter arm of the lever 30 and carries the tripping device 29 into contact with the latch or holding lever 25, lifting the latter and thereby releasing the locking lever 17.

The engaging portion 20 of the locking lever 17 is beveled at the upper edge, whereby the locking lever 17 will be positively moved outwardly out of engagement with the said upper member 7 by the downward movement of the same, which, as previously explained,

has suflicient play or movement to carry its lower end 22 from the position illustrated in Fig. 2. In this manner, through the action of the line 44, the locking device 17 for holding the jaws or sections is positively and automatically tripped and the said jaws or sections released and permitted to close. The line 53 is now drawn taut, which slides the upper sect-ion 7 downwardly into the lower tubularsection 6 from the position ilustrated in Fig.2 of the drawings to that shown in Fig. 3, thereby closing the jaws or sections of the bucket. .While in this posi tion the bucket, with its load, is raised and carried to the position for dumping. hen, through the downward movement of the upper section 7, the lower stop 73 of the operating rod 69 comes in contact with the lower guide 71, the latter will support the operating rod 69 so that the further downward movement of the upper section 7 will carry the outwardly extending arm 65 of the pawl or dog downwardly beyond and out of engagement with the stop formed by the nuts 75. This will release the pawl or dog 58 and permitthe heavier arm 66 thereof toswing the engaging portion of the same into engagement with the ratchet element of the sheave 56.

WVhen the pawl or dog 58 is in engagement with the ratchet element 57 of-the sheave 56, thesheave is locked against rotation in one direction. However, when the line 59 is heldagainst movement, and the line 53 is being drawn in for the purpose of raising the bucket, the sheave 56 will be caused to rotate in the direction of the arrow and wind upon the line 59. If the line 53 should become slackthe pawl 58 would prevent the sheave from rotating in an opposite diree- I the line, the paying out of the line will n cause the movable member 6 to slide or move downwardly upon the member 7, and this movement will force the jaws or sections 1 of the bucket apart causing the contents of the bucket to be discharged. The pawl or dog 58 prevents the sheave 56 from rotating in the direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow. The bucket is thereby held suspended on the line 59 by the two complete turns around the sheave 56, which is stationary through its engagement with the ratchet pawl or dog 58.

On a continued paying out and slackening of the line 53, the lower tubular section or sleeve 6 is permitted to slide downwardly on the upper section 7 until the locking lever 17 reengages the lower end 2270f the said upper section 7 and the latch or holding lever 25 drops intoengagement with the lower end of the locking lever 17 for retaining the engaging portion 20 therof in its engaging position beneath the lower end of the said upper section or member 7. In this manner the jaws or sections of the bucket are opened for dumping or loading and are locked in the open position shown in Fig. 1. IVhen, through the downward movement of the lower tubular member or sleeve 6, the lower guide lug 71 is carried downwardly, the operating rod 69 is lowered until its upper stop, formed by the nuts 75, engages and rests upon the outwardly projecting arm or portion of the pawl or dog; In the said downward movement of the tubular member or sleeve 6, the upper guide 70' is carried into engagement with the adjustable stop 72 and positively disengages the dog 58 from the ratchet element of the sheave 56. The weight of the rod 69 is suiiicieut to hold the dog 59 in the disengaged position even when the lug 70 moves away from the stop 72, and therefore maintains the pawl or dog out of engagement with the ratchet element of the sheave 56 while the jaws or sections are in their open position. By looking the jaws or sections of the bucket open and positively retaining the pawl or dog 58 out of engagement with the ratchet element 56, the line is permitted to run freely through the bucket and the latter may be raised or lowered in its open condition, and there is no liability of the jaws or sections accidentally closing before the bucket rests upon the material to be dredged, excavated, or handled. The stops 7 5, 72, 73 at the upper and lower portions of the operating red are adapted to be adjusted for causing the pawl or dog 58 to engage with the ratchet wheel 57 either when the jaws or sections of the bucket are entirely closed or partially closed, so that the bucket and its load may be elevated with the jaws or sections in the'desired position.

The pulleys or sheaves may be varied in size to adapt thebucket .to the class of ma? ing the free run of the line.

leys or sheaves 77 and 78, arranged one, above the other, may be employed, as illustrated in Figs. 11 and 12 of the drawings. These pulleys or sheaves 7 7 and 78 are connected with gearing consisting of gear wheels 79 and 80 and an intermediate pinion 81 meshing with the gear wheels and adapted to cause the upper and lower pulleys or sheaves 77 and 78 to rotate in the same direction. The upper and lower pulleys or sheaves 77 and 78 are grooved to re-.

ceive the line, and the latter is designed to make one complete turn around each of these pulleys or sheaves. The lower pulley or sheave 78 is provided with a ratchet ele ment 82 and operates in a similar manner to the ratchet, sheave 56.

The device for locking and the means for holding the pawl of the ratchet mechanism out of engagement with the ratchet element does not affect the free run of the line 44: through the'bucket or produce any wear on the said line, and by connecting one end of the line with a storage drum and the other end with an active or operating drum, the outer or operating portion of the line re-.

ceives all of the wear and may be readily removed when desired, and a new or unused portion of the line may be run oil the storage drum. In this manner it is only necessary to discard the worn portion of the line. By connecting the ends of the line with the operating and storage drums, and causing the lines 53 and 59 to be drawn taut, the line is looped and a double purchase for closing the bucket and for hoisting the same is secured, without the use of outside pulleys or sheaves Also, the runs or stretches of the line are spaced apart to prevent the line from twisting.

What is claimed is 1. A bucket of the class described, including pivotally mounted jaws or sections arranged to swing outwardly and inwardly to open and close the bucket, directionchanging and bucket-operating sheaves on the bucket, a linelooped through the direction-changing and bucket-operating sheaves and movable in either direction therethrough, means for temporarily preventing the line from moving in one direction through the bucket, and automatically op erable means for locking the jaws or sections in their open position without aifect- '2. A bucket of he class described, including pivotally mounted jaws or sections arranged to swing outwardly and inwardly to open and close the bucket, directionchanging and bucket-operating sheaves on the bucket, aline looped through the direction-changing and bucket-operating sheaves and movable in either direction there through, means for temporarily preventing the line from moving in one direction through the bucket, and automatically operable means for locking the jaws or sections in their open position without affecting the freerun of the line, and the bucket also being provided with means under the control of the line for moving the automatically operable means from looking position.

3. A bucket of the class described, including pivotally mounted jaws orwsections arranged to swing outwardly and inwardly to open and close the bucket, means for connecting the bucket with a line, locking means for positively holding the jaws or sections in their open position,'means for releasing the locking means located in the bucket to be atall'times wholly above the bottom thereof, and means on the lock releasing means engaged by and under the control of the line for causing the active operation of the lock releasing means on slackening of the line. y r

4. A bucket of the class described, including pivotally mounted jaws or sections arranged to swing outwardly and inwardly to open and close the bucket, means for connecting the bucket with a line, a device for locking the jaws or sections in their open 5 position, and a tripping'device for the locking device separate therefrom and engaged by and under thefcontrol of the line for active operation on slackening ofthe line, said tripping device being located in the bucket to be at all times. wholly abovethe bottom thereof. V i

5. A bucket of the class described, including pivotally mounted jaws or sectionsoarranged to swing outwardly and inwardly to open and close the bucket, means for con-' .necting the bucketv with a line, means for positively locking the jaws or sections in their open position, and releasing means for the locking means separate from said locking means and locatedrinthe bucket to be at all times wholly above the bottom thereof and engaged by andunder the control of the line, whereby the releasing means is rendered active on the slackening of" the line caused by the engagement of thebucket withthe material to be dredged.

6. A bucket of the class described,including jaws or sections, means for suspending the bucket from a single line looped through the bucket and for permitting the line to move-throughthe bucket for raising and lowering the latter, "means forlocking the jaws or sections in their open positionwithout affecting the free run of the line through the bucketaand releasing'means for the v as.

7 locking means separate from and independentthereofiand located to beat all times wholly above the bottom of the bucket, said releasing means having means engaged by the line for the control of the releasing means, whereby the slackening of the line due to the engagement of the bucket with the material to be dredged causes the active operation of the releasing means.

7 A bucket of the class described, including jaws or sections, means for suspending the bucket from a l ne and for permitting the hue to run through the bucket for raming and lowering the latter, a locking device for the jaws or sections for holding them in the open position without affecting the free run of the line through the bucket, and a tripping device for the locking device located in the bucket to be at all times wholly above the bottom thereof, Said trip- 7 ping device having means engaged by the line to hold the latter in the inactive position while the line is taut and for causing the active operation of the tripping device by slackening of the line due to the engagement of the jaws of the bucket with the material to be dredged.

8 A bucketof the class described, in-' cludlng jaw or sections, means for suspend-V ing the bucket from a line and'permitting the, latter to run through the bucket for raising and lowering said bucket, a locking device for holding the jaws in theopen position without affecting the free run of'th'e control of the v line to normally maintain said trippingdevice in the inoperative position and to release the tripping device to the action of gravity on the slackening of the line due to the engagement of the bucket with the material to be dredged. 7

9. A bucket of the class described, comprising jaws or sections, means for suspendthe bucket from a line and for permitting the line to run through the bucket for 'line through the bucket, and a gravity 'act- 5 ice raising and lowering the latter, locking means for holding the jaws or sections in their open position includinga pivotedlever and a device. for holding the lever in its engaged position, and a tripping device for the locking means having means engaged by the line for holding the tripping device in the inactive position and movable on the slackening of the'line causedby the engageto be dredged to release the pivoted lever to prising jaws or sections-means for suspend-I ing the bucketfrom a line and for permitting the lineto run through the bucket for V ment of the bucket jaws with the material V is unlatched.

raising and lowering the same, means for locking the jaws or sections in their open position, a pivotally mounted device for holding the looking means in its engaging position, a gravity acting lever normally maintained in an inoperative position by the line, and a tripping device carried by the gravity acting lever for moving the pivotally mounted device out of engagement with the locking means.

11. A bucket of the class described comprising jaws or sections, means for suspending the bucket from a line and for permitting the line to run through the bucket for raising and lowering the same, means for locking the jaws or sections in their open position, a pivoted latch lever arranged to hold the locking means in its engaging position, a gravity acting lever arranged below the latch lever and normally maintained in an inoperative position by the line, and a tripping device carried by the gravity acting lever and arranged to lift the latch lever out of engagement with the locking means when the line is slackened.

12. A bucket of the class described including upper and lower relatively slidable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with said members and opened and closed by said members in their relatively slidable movements, means for connecting the bucket with a line, a locking device mounted on one of said members and arranged to engage the other member for holding the jaws or sections in their open position, and release means for the locking device separate from and independent of said locking device and provided with means engaged by the line for the control of the release means with the latter located in the bucket to be at all times above the bottom of the bucket, and said release means being movable by the slackening of the line due to the engagement ofthe bucket with the material to be dredged to cause the looking device to move to the unlocked position.

13. A bucket of the class described including upper and lower relatively slidable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closedby the relative slidable movement of the same, means for connecting the bucket with a line, a locking lever pivotally mounted on one of the said members and arranged to engage the other member for holding the jaws or sections in their open position, a movable latch for retainingthe said lever in its engaging position, and an operable tripping device normally maintained out of engagement with the latch by the line and automatically movable into engagement with the latch when the line is slackened, whereby the locking lever vice mounted on one of the said members,

the other member being provided with a portion for engaging with the said device and said members automatically movable by gravity to a position beyond and out of engagement with the said locking device when free to move, a latch for retaining the looking device in its engaging position, and means operable by the line for releasing the locking device.

15. A bucket of the class described including upper and lower relatively slidable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the relative slidable movement of the same, means for connecting the bucket with a line, a lockinglever pivotally mounted on the lower member and arranged to engage the upper member, a latch carried by the lower member for retaining the locking lever in its engaging position, a gravity acting lever'mounted on the lower member and normally held in an inoperative position by the line, and a tripping device carried by the gravity acting lever and movable into engagement with the latch for releasing the locking lever when the line is slackened.

16. A bucket of the class described including upper and lower relatively slidable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the relative slidable movement of the same, means for connecting the bucket with a line, a locking lever pivotally mounted on the lower member and having its upper arm arranged to engage the upper member to hold the jaws or sections in an open position, said lever having a lower arm provided at an intermedi ate point with an outward bend, a latch lever pivotally mounted on the lower member and arranged to engage the lower arm of the locking lever below the said bend, said locking lever being provided with means for supporting the latch lever in such engaging position, a tripping device for moving the latch lever upwardly to the bend of the locking lever, and a gravity acting operating lever carrying the tripping device and connected with the line for maintaining the tripping device out of engagement with the latch lever.

17. A bucket of the class described including pivotally mounted jaws or sections, means for suspending the bucket from a line and for permitting the line to run through the bucket for raising and lowering the same, means automatically operated in the closing movement of the jaws or sections for checking the movement of the line in onedirection without interfering with the free movement of the line in the opposite di rection, whereby when one end of the line is drawn in the bucket will be elevated, and when paid out, the bucket will be checked and the line slackened, and means operable by such slackening of the line for, opening the jaws or sections to dump the bucket.

7 ment of the jaws or sections for checking the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with its free movement in the opposite direction.

19. A bucket, of the class described com- 7 risin relativel movable members )ivb 7 otally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the relative movement thereof,

means for connecting the said members with a line for suspending the bucket and for permitting the line to run freelyfor raising and lowering the bucket, said linebeing adapted to close the jaws or sections when the members are free to move, a pawl and ratchet device for checking the movement i with the said members and opened and xof, the'line in one. direction without interfering with its free movement in the opposite direction, and means connected with thesaidmembers for throwing the pawl into and out ofits engagingposition when the jaws or sections are closed and opened.

20. A bucket of the class described comprising relatively movable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected closed by the relative movement thereof, means for connecting the said members with a line for suspending the bucket and for permitting the'line" to run freely for raising and lowering the bucket, said line being,

adaptedto closethe jaws or sections when themembers are free to move, a pawl and ratchet devicewfor checking the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with its free movement in the opposite direction, and means connected with the said members for throwing the pawl into and out of its engaging position when the jaws or sections are closed and opened, the latter means being adjustable to vary the closing movement of the jaws or sections.

21. A bucket of the class described comprising relatively'movable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the relative movement thereof,

means for connecting the said members-with a line for suspending the bucket and for permitting the line to run freely for raising and lowering the bucket, said line being adapted to close the jaws or sections when the members are free to move, a pawl and ratchet device carried by one of the said members for checking the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with the free movementof'the line in the opposite direction, and operating means for connecting the pawl with the other member to throw the pawl into andout of engagement with the ratchet. V 5

22. Abucket of the class described comprising relatively movable members, pivotally mounted jaws cry-sections connected with the "said members and opened and closed by the relative movement'thereof, means for connecting the said members with a' line for suspending the bucket and r for permitting the line to run freely for raising and loweringthe bucket, said line being adapted to close the jaws or sections when the members are free'to-move, a pawl and ratchet device carried by one of. the said members for checking the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with the free'movement of the line the opposite direction, an operating rod or member slidably connected with the pawl and adapted to hold the same out of engagement, and means mounted on the other member and coacting with the rod 'or member for permitting the pawl to engage the ratchet.

23. A bucket of the class described comprising relatively movable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said 'members and opened and closed by the relative movement thereof, means for connecting the said members with a line for suspending the bucket and,

for permitting the line to run freely for raising and lowering the bucket, said line being adapted to close the jaws or sections when the members are free to move, a pawl and ratchet device carried byone'of the 'members and comprising a vrotary ratchet element, and a pawl automatically movable into engagement with the ratchet element,

said pawl and ratchet device being adapted to check the movement of the line in vone direction without interfering with the free 7 movement of the same int-he opposite di- 'rection, and operating means connected with the pawl and with the other member for throwing the pawl out of engagement when thejaws or sections are opened and for permitting the pawl to engage the ratchet element when the jaws or sections are closed.

24:. A bucket of the class described comprising relatively movable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the relative movement thereof, means for connecting the said members with a line for suspending the bucket and for permitting the line to run freely for raising and lowering the bucket, said line being adapted to close the jaws or sections when the members are free to move, a pawl and ratchet device carried by one of the members and comprising a rotary ratchet element, and a pawl automatically movable into engagement with the ratchet element, said pawl and ratchet device being adapted to check the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with the free movement of the same in the opposite direction, an operating rod connected with the pawl and adapted to hold the same out of engagement, spaced guiding means mounted on the other member and receiving the operating rod, and a stop mounted on the rod between the guiding means and arranged to permit the rod to be lifted by the guiding means for releasing the pawl.

25. A bucket of the class described comprising relatively movable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the relative movement thereof, means for connecting the said members with a line for suspending the bucket and for permitting the line to run freely for raising and lowering the bucket, said line being adapted to close the jaws or sections when the members are free to move,.a pawl and ratchet device carried by one of the members and comprising a rotary ratchet element, and a pawl automatically movable into engagement with the ratchet element, said pawl and ratchet device being adapted to check the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with the free movement of the same in the opposite direction,

an operating rod connected with the pawl and adapted to hold the same outof engagement, spaced guiding means mounted on the other member and receiving theoperating rod, and a stop mounted on the rod between the guiding means and arranged to permit the rod to be lifted by the guiding means for releasing the pawl, said stop, being adj ustable to vary the closing movement of the jaws or sections, a I

26. A bucket of the class described comprising relatively movable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with thefsaid members and opened and closed by the relative movement thereof, means forconnecting the said members with a ;line 'for suspendingthe bucket and for permitting the line to run freely for raising and lowering the bucket, said line being adapted to close the jaws or sections when the members are free to move, a pawl and ratchet device carried by one of the members and comprising a rotary ratchet element, and a pawl automatically movable into engagement with the ratchet element, said pawl and ratchet device being adapted to check the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with the free movement of the same in the opposite direction, an operating rod connected with the pawl and adapted to hold the same out of engagement, spaced guiding means mounted on the other member and receiving the operating rod, and adjustable stops mounted on the rod between the said guiding means and arranged to be engaged by the same to release the pawl in one movement of the members and to hold the pawl positively out of engagement in the other movement of the members.

27. A bucket of the class described comprising relatively movable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the relative movement thereof, means for connecting the said members with a line for suspending the bucket and for permitting the line to run freely for raising and lowering the bucket, means for locking the members against movement for holding the bucket open without affecting the movement of the line, and means automatically operated by the line for releasing the members to permit the bucket to close.

28. A bucket of the class described comprising relatively movable members, pivotally mounted jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the relative movement thereof, means for connecting the said members with a line for suspending the bucket and for permitting the line to run freely for raising and lowering the bucket, means for locking the members against movement for holding the bucket open without affecting the movement of the line, means automatically 0perated by the line for releasing the members to permit the bucket to close, and means for checking the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with the free movement thereof in the opposite direction, said means being thrown into and out of action by the movements of the members in opening and closing the bucket.

29. A bucket of the class described including upper and lower relatively slidable meming the movement of the line in one direc tion without interfering with its movement in the other direction, means for carrying the pawlout of engagement in the opening movement of the jaws or sections and for moving the pawl into engagement in the closing movement of the said jaws or sections, and means for locking the members against movement to hold the jaws or sec- 7 means for carrying the pawl out of engagement in the opening movement of the jaws or sections and for moving the pawl into engagement in the closing movement of the said aws or sections, a locking device for holding the members against movement to retain the jaws or sections in their open position, and means operable bythe line for releasing the said membersto permit the jaws or sections to close.

31'. A bucket of the class described in cluding upper and lower relatively movable members," pivotally mounted jaws 'or sec tions connected with the membersand opened and closed by the relative move-f ment of the same, a, gravity operating lever pivotally mounted at an intermediate point on the lower member, one of the arms of the lever being heavier than the other, sheaves mounted on the arms of the lever, other sheaves carried by the upper member, a line arranged on the 'said'sheaves and'adapted tobe runthrough the bucket to raise and lower the same,-a ratchet element connected with one of the sheaves, a pawl movable into and out of engagement with the ratchet element in the closing and opening movements of the'jaws or sections, a locln'ng device mounted on the lower member and ar. ranged to engage the upper member for holding the jaws or sections in their open position, alatch forholdi'ng the locking lever W in its engaging positi0n,and a tripping de ,vice carried by the operating lever and rj ranged to unlatchfthe locking lever.

' 32. A bucketiofthefclassdescribedin- V 'cluding upperand lower relatively 'slidable members,tpivotally mounted jaws or sec tIOIIS UCOIIHQCtQdY with the members and.

l opened andfclosed-by the relative m'ov'e ment of'the' same, ahead carried bythe upper member, centrallyarranged 7 upper "sh aves'moanted on thefhead, one of the sheaves being provided with T a ratchet element, a gravity acting lever pivotally mounted intermediate of its ends on the lower member and provided at its arms with sheaves, a side guide sheave also car= ried by the said head, a line arranged on the sheaves, a pawl mounted on the head and connected with and operated by the lower member for engaging it with and dis engaging it from the ratchet element, and locking mechanism for holding the members against relative movement to maintain the jaws or sections in their open position, I

and means carried by the gravity acting travel of said bucket, and means forcausing V the jaws of the bucket to be swung to the open position on slackening the second named run of the line.

34. A bucket of the class described in cluding members having relative inward and outward movement, jaws, or sections connected with the c said. members and opened and closed by the outward and inward movements thereof, pulleys or sheaves carried by the said members, aline arranged on the pulleys or sheaves and supporting the bucket, whereby the weight of the latter will tend to urgethe jaws or sectionsinwardlyfmeans for locking the jaws or sections in their open position, said locking means being automatically operated through the slackening of the line to re- 7 lease the jaws or sections, and means for checking the movement of the line from the said pulleys in one direction, the latter means permitting the free movement of the line in the opposite direction for raising the bucket. r i K 35. A bucket of the. class described in- "cluding members having relative inward and outward movement, jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the outward and in-.

ward movements thereof,.pulleys or sheaves carried-by the Sald members, a l ne arranged on the pulleys 0r sheavesand supporting the'bucket, whereby theweight of the latter,

will tend to argethe jaws or sections in;

wardly, means for locking the jaws oriseck" tions' in: their open position, fsaid looking means beingautomatically operated through the slackening of the line to release the jaws e 'or sections,- and a device for checking-the movement of the line in one direction when the jaws or sections are closed, said device comprising elements arranged to be thrown into and out of action by the inward and outward movements of the members.

36. A bucket of the class described including upper and lower slidable members having relative inward and outward movements jaws or sections connected with the said members and opened and closed by the outward and inward movements thereof, pulleys or sheaves carried by the said memhere, a line arranged on the pulleys and supporting the bucket, and means thrown into and out of operation by the inward and outward movements of the said members for checking the movement of the line in one direction when the jaws or sections are closed, whereby the line may be slackened to permit the jaws or sections to open for dumping the contents of the bucket.

37. A bucket of the class described including upper and lower slidable members hav-' ing relative inward and outward movements, jaws or sections carried by the said members and opened and closed by the outward and inward movements thereof, pulleys or sheaves carried by the said members, a line arranged on the pulleys or sheaves and supporting the bucket, said line having runs or stretches adapted to be connected with an active or operating drum and with a storage drum, and means thrown into and out of operation by the inward or outward movement of the said members for checking the movement of the line in one direction when the jaws or sections are closed, whereby one of the stretches or runs of the line may be slackened to permit the jaws or sections to open for dumping'the contents of the bucket, and the other stretch or run being adapted to be slackened to permit the bucket to be lowered before dumping.

38. A dredging bucket comprising telescoping members, bucket jaws or sections each connected to and opened. and closed by said members in their telescoping movements, sheaves carried by said telescoping members, a line looped-through the bucket and arranged on the sheaves with certain of the latter supporting the bucket, and automatic devices carried by one of the telescoping members and in part engaged and controlled by the line for locking the jaws or sections in their open position.

39. A bucket, comprising movable members, jaws pivotally connected to the members, and opened and closed by the relative sliding movement of the members, and auto matic means mounted on one of the members adapted to engage the other member for holding the jaws in an open position.

A0. A bucket, comprising movable jaws, a line for raising and lowering the jaws, and means automatically operated in the closing movement of the jaws for checking the movement of the line in one direction without interfering with the free movement of the line in the opposite direction, wherebucket will be elevated.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto afiixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

GORDON R. ROWAN. Witnesses:

RUTH A. BRUBAKER, LILLIAN M. CAMPBELL.

Copies of this patent may be obtained tor five cents each, by addressing the "Commissioner of Patentu,

Washington, D. 0. 

